A high-level forum was held on October 21 in Ho Chi Minh City, with the theme “Scaling-up Digital Investments: Connecting European Tech Business Offer with Vietnam’s Digital Future."
Co-organized by D4D Hub, AVSE Global, the National Digital Administration (NDA), the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and EuroCham Vietnam, the forum focused on key digital issues such as cloud sovereignty, semiconductors, and the future of 5G, 6G, and submarine cables.
Speaking at the forum, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy emphasized that Vietnam is entering a new phase of development in implementing Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on “Breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation”. Digital transformation, he continued, is not only a trend but an inexorable requirement for rapid, sustainable, and self-reliant growth.
He quoted Party General Secretary To Lam as saying: “Digital transformation is a strategic breakthrough for Vietnam to seize the opportunities of the new era; it is the path to narrowing the development gap and creating a comprehensive national strength in the age of AI and the data economy.”
H.E. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the EU to Vietnam, for his part, highlighted the rapid growth of Vietnam’s digital economy and its ambition to have digital sectors account for 30 per cent of GDP by 2030. He emphasized two key prerequisites for this: building secure infrastructure for electronic communications and creating a supportive regulatory environment.
The Ambassador also expressed optimism about Vietnam’s advancements and reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting the country’s digital transformation, creating new business opportunities between the EU and Vietnam in the digital economy.
Vietnam aims to rank among the world’s Top 30 digital nations by 2030, focusing on areas such as AI, semiconductors, 5G/6G, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. International cooperation has become crucial to ensure a trusted digital space, with Vietnam emerging as a dynamic and promising partner of Europe.
In this context, the forum served as a pivotal platform to operationalize Europe’s commitments and resources for Vietnam. It had three main objectives:
First, providing a platform for businesses and organizations from both sides to explore new opportunities for collaboration and foster B2B and B2G connections.
Second, discussing the role of Global Gateway, the EU’s strategic initiative to mobilize investment for sustainable, transparent, and secure digital infrastructure, particularly through tools like the Digital Investment Facility (DIF) and the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD).
Third, to strengthen the “EU Tech Business Offer” in Vietnam, a comprehensive European approach combining technology, expertise, knowledge, financing, and capacity-building, training, and advisory support.
Above all, the forum sought to establish an open and trusted digital cooperation ecosystem, grounded in respect for data sovereignty and the creation of sustainable value.
EU support for Vietnam’s digital sector
In an interview with VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times, Ambassador Guerrier emphasized the strong demand for EU services in Vietnam, noting that both government and commercial services are in high demand. “The 5G rollout, access to smartphones, and digital services are growing rapidly in Vietnam,” he said. “We are strongly supporting this progress and are optimistic that, in the near future, the digital economy will represent a significant share of the economy here.”
He also highlighted the importance of having a solid regulatory foundation to develop a thriving digital economy. “The laws being enacted in Vietnam are excellent news for the digital economy,” the Ambassador remarked. “They align with international standards, and we are ready to cooperate with Vietnam to exchange ideas on European and global standards and build the framework of the future. This will ensure a human-centric, transparent, and reliable digital economy.”
The Ambassador also discussed the critical need for skilled human resources to support Vietnam’s digital future. “Through our Global Gateway initiative, we are negotiating a €50 million program with the Ministry of Education and Training to foster vocational and educational training in green and digital transitions,” he explained. “This program will help equip young Vietnamese with the skills they need to participate in the digital economy.”
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